Investor Permit
The Curaçao Investor Permit (officially "Welvarende Investeerder 2014" — Wealthy Investor 2014) is a residence-by-investment program administered by the Immigratiedienst Curaçao under the Ministry of Justice. Introduced in September 2014, it targets foreign investors whose business investments contribute to employment, foreign currency inflow, or economic development in Curaçao. The program offers three tiers with corresponding permit durations, and as Curaçao is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, long-term holders may pursue Dutch citizenship through naturalization — providing an indirect pathway to an EU passport.
| Investment | Permit Duration | |---|---| | XCG 500,000 | 3-year permit, renewable | | XCG 750,000 | 5-year permit, renewable | | XCG 1,500,000 | Indefinite residence permit |
The investment must be a genuine business venture that provides additional employment, brings in foreign currency, or stimulates Curaçao's economic development. Purely passive investments without economic contribution may not qualify. Applicants must demonstrate that they have made or intend to make the qualifying investment, and must permanently and independently have sufficient means to fulfill their investment obligations.
- Foreign national intending to invest in a business of essential importance to Curaçao
- Investment must contribute to employment, foreign currency inflow, or economic development
- Sufficient means of subsistence to fulfill obligations arising from the investment
- Clean criminal record (certificate of conduct)
- Valid health insurance covering Curaçao (including coverage for sanatoriums and psychiatric care)
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Must remain outside Curaçao while the application is processed
- Proof of fee payment at Maduro & Curiel's Bank (XCG 1,865 / XCG 3,095 / XCG 6,170 depending on tier)
- Completed application form (downloadable from immigration portal)
- Official documents demonstrating the qualifying investment has been made or is intended
- Bank statement from a local Curaçao bank confirming the investment amount
- Certificate of conduct (verklaring omtrent gedrag) — clean criminal record
- Valid health insurance proof covering Curaçao
- Original birth certificate
- Clear colour copy of passport photo page (valid at least 6 months)
All documents must be submitted as PDFs: straight scans, no staples or marks, fully legible, full-colour for identity documents.
The 3-year and 5-year permits are renewed if circumstances remain unchanged — the qualifying investment is maintained and conditions continue to be met. The indefinite permit (XCG 1,500,000 tier) does not require renewal. After 5 years of legal residence, holders may apply for Dutch citizenship through naturalization, subject to requirements including civic integration and spending at least 9 months per year in Curaçao or other Dutch territories during that period. To maintain residency for any permit tier, holders must spend at least one day per year in Curaçao.
Spouse or partner and dependent children may apply for residence permits under family reunification provisions. Each family member must maintain valid health insurance covering Curaçao. Family members' permits are tied to the investor's permit — if the investor's permit expires or is revoked, dependants' permits also expire.
Curaçao does not levy worldwide income tax on residents. Investors holding residence permits are subject to Curaçao's territorial tax system and must comply with local tax filing obligations.
- Collect all required documents and scan them as PDFs meeting the Immigration Service's quality standards.
- Pay the applicable fee at Maduro & Curiel's Bank using the downloadable payment order form.
- Submit the application through the Immigration Service's online portal at immigrationcur.org or by email to [email protected].
- The Admission Office has a maximum of 4 months to issue a decision. Applicants must await the outcome while remaining outside Curaçao.
- Upon approval, schedule an appointment via the immigration portal to collect the physical permit in person.
If the application is denied, applicants have 6 weeks to file an objection (bezwaarschrift).
Other Visa Programs in North America
Country↑ | Program↕ | Income↕ | Investment↕ | Capital Required↕ | Duration↕ | Dependants↕ | Citizenship↕ | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
🇦🇮 Anguilla | Residence by Investment | — | $150,000 one-time | — | Permanent | Yes | Yes (5yr) | ||
🇦🇮 Anguilla | Work from Anguilla Certificate | No official minimum incom... | — | — | 91 days — 1 year | Yes | — | ||
🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda | Citizenship by Investment Programme | — | $230,000 one-time | — | Permanent | Yes | Yes | ||
🇦🇼 Aruba | Investor/Shareholder Residence Permit | — | $140,000 one-time | — | 1 year | Yes | Yes (5yr) | ||
🇦🇼 Aruba | One Happy Workation | No specific minimum incom... | — | — | 7 days — 90 days | Yes | — | ||
🇦🇼 Aruba | Retiree / Interest Rate Earner Residence Permit | $28,000 / year | — | — | 1 year | Yes | Yes | ||
🇧🇸 Bahamas | Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) | No specific minimum incom... | — | — | 1 year — 3 years | Yes | No | ||
🇧🇸 Bahamas | Economic Permanent Residence Certificate | — | BSD 1,000,000 one-time | — | Permanent | Yes | Yes (10yr) | ||
🇧🇸 Bahamas | Permit to Reside (Independent Economic Resident) | No fixed minimum income. ... | — | — | 1 year — 5 years | Yes | — | ||
🇧🇧 Barbados | Special Entry and Reside Permit (Category 1: High Net Worth Investor) | — | $2,000,000 one-time | — | 5 years — Permanent | Yes | Yes | ||
🇧🇧 Barbados | Special Entry and Reside Permit (Category 2: Retired Property Owner) | No fixed minimum income a... | — | — | 5 years — Permanent | Yes | Yes | ||
🇧🇧 Barbados | Welcome Stamp | $50,000 / year | — | — | 1 year | Yes | Yes | ||
🇧🇿 Belize | Long Stay Visitor Permit | $75,000 / year | — | — | 6 months | Yes | Yes (5yr) | ||
🇧🇿 Belize | Qualified Retired Persons Incentive Program | $2,000 / month | — | — | 1 year — Permanent | Yes | No | ||
🇧🇿 Belize | Temporary Residence Permit (Investment) | — | $250,000 one-time | — | 1 year | Yes | Yes (5yr) | ||
🇧🇲 Bermuda | Economic Investment Residential Certificate | — | BMD 2,500,000 one-time | — | Permanent | Yes | Yes (5yr) | ||
🇧🇲 Bermuda | Global Entrepreneur Work Permit | — | — | No fixed minimum capital ... | 1 year | Yes | — | ||
🇧🇲 Bermuda | Permission to Reside on an Annual Basis | No fixed minimum income p... | — | — | 1 year — 5 years | Yes | No | ||
🇻🇬 British Virgin Islands | Right to Reside Permit | No fixed minimum; must de... | — | — | 1 year | Yes | — | ||
🇨🇦 Canada | Digital Nomad Policy | No minimum income thresho... | — | — | 6 months | Yes | — | ||
🇨🇦 Canada | Quebec Immigrant Investor Program | — | CA$1,200,000 one-time | — | Permanent | Yes | Yes (3yr) | ? | |
🇨🇦 Canada | Self-Employed Persons Program | — | — | — | Permanent | Yes | Yes (3yr) | ? | |
🇨🇦 Canada | Start-Up Visa Program | — | — | CA$75,000 one-time | Permanent | Yes | Yes | ? | |
🇰🇾 Cayman Islands | Certificate of Direct Investment | — | $1,220,000 one-time | — | 25 years | Yes | Yes | ||
🇰🇾 Cayman Islands | Certificate of Permanent Residence for Persons of Independent Means | — | $2,440,000 one-time | — | Permanent | Yes | Yes | ||
🇰🇾 Cayman Islands | Residency Certificate for Persons of Independent Means | — | $1,220,000 one-time | — | 25 years | Yes | No | ||
🇰🇾 Cayman Islands | Zone Employment Certificate | — | — | $15,000 one-time | 5 years | Yes | — | ||
🇨🇷 Costa Rica | Digital Nomad Visa | $3,000 / month | — | — | 1 year — 2 years | Yes | No | ||
🇨🇷 Costa Rica | Residencia Temporal Inversionista | — | $150,000 one-time | — | 2 years | Yes | Yes | ||
🇨🇷 Costa Rica | Residencia Temporal Pensionado | $1,000 / month | — | — | 2 years | Yes | — | ||
🇨🇷 Costa Rica | Residencia Temporal Rentista | $2,500 / month | — | — | 2 years | Yes | — | ||
🇨🇺 Cuba | Real Estate Resident Visa | — | No fixed minimum investme... | — | 1 year | Yes | — | ||
🇩🇲 Dominica | Work In Nature Extended Stay Visa | $50,000 / year | — | — | 18 months | Yes | Yes | ||
🇩🇴 Dominican Republic | Residencia Permanente en Calidad de Inversionista | — | $200,000 one-time | — | 1 year — Permanent | Yes | Yes | ||
🇩🇴 Dominican Republic | Residencia Permanente en Calidad de Jubilado o Pensionado | $1,500 / month | — | — | 1 year — Permanent | Yes | Yes | ||
🇩🇴 Dominican Republic | Residencia Permanente en Calidad de Rentista | $2,000 / month | — | — | 1 year — Permanent | Yes | Yes | ||
🇸🇻 El Salvador | Definitive Residency for Investors | — | Investment or donation to... | — | Permanent | Yes | Yes (5yr) | ||
🇸🇻 El Salvador | Freedom Visa | — | $1,000,000 one-time | — | Permanent | Yes | Yes | ||
🇸🇻 El Salvador | Temporary Residency for Pensioners | $1,226 / month | — | — | 1 year — 5 years | Yes | — | ||
🇸🇻 El Salvador | Temporary Residency for Rentistas | $1,460 / month | — | — | 1 year — 5 years | Yes | — | ||
🇬🇩 Grenada | Citizenship by Investment Programme | — | $235,000 one-time | — | Permanent | Yes | Yes | ||
🇬🇩 Grenada | Remote Work Permit | $37,000 / year | — | — | 1 year — 2 years | Yes | Yes | ||
🇬🇹 Guatemala | Permanent Residence for Rentistas or Pensioners | $1,250 / month | — | — | Permanent | Yes | Yes (5yr) | ||
🇬🇹 Guatemala | Temporary Residence for Intellectuals, Researchers, and Scientists | — | — | — | 1 year — 5 years | Yes | — | ||
🇬🇹 Guatemala | Temporary Residence for Investors | — | $100,000 one-time | — | 1 year — 5 years | Yes | — | ||
🇬🇹 Guatemala | Temporary Residence for Self-Employed Workers | — | — | No minimum capital requir... | 1 year — 5 years | Yes | — | ||
🇬🇹 Guatemala | Temporary Residence for Workers with Foreign Employer | $2,000 / month | — | — | 1 year — 5 years | Yes | Yes (5yr) | ||
🇭🇳 Honduras | Investor Residency | — | $50,000 one-time | — | Permanent | Yes | Yes | ||
🇭🇳 Honduras | Pensionado Residency | $1,500 / month | — | — | 2 years — Permanent | Yes | Yes | ||
🇭🇳 Honduras | Rentista Residency | $2,500 / month | — | — | 2 years — Permanent | Yes | Yes | ||
🇯🇲 Jamaica | Permanent Residence (Retirement) | No fixed minimum income t... | — | — | Permanent | Yes | Yes (5yr) | ||
🇲🇶 Martinique | Talent Porteur de Projet — Business Creation | — | — | €30,000 one-time | 4 years | Yes | — | ||
🇲🇶 Martinique | Talent Porteur de Projet — Innovative Economic Project (French Tech Visa) | — | — | No minimum investment req... | 4 years | Yes | — | ||
🇲🇽 Mexico | Permanent Resident Visa for Retirees and Pensioners | $7,400 / month | — | — | Permanent | Yes | Yes (5yr) | ||
🇲🇽 Mexico | Temporary Resident Visa by Economic Solvency | $4,432 / month | — | — | 1 year — 4 years | Yes | No | ||
🇲🇽 Mexico | Temporary Resident Visa for Investors | — | $299,000 one-time | — | 1 year — 4 years | Yes | Yes (5yr) | ||
🇲🇸 Montserrat | Permit of Economic Residence | — | EC$400,000 one-time | — | 5 years | Yes | Yes | ||
🇲🇸 Montserrat | Remote Employment Stamp | $70,000 / year | — | — | 1 year | Yes | — | ||
🇨🇼 Netherlands Antilles | @Home in Curacao | No official minimum incom... | — | — | 6 months — 1 year | Yes | — | ||
🇨🇼 Netherlands Antilles | Investor Permit | — | Cg. 500,000 one-time | — | 3 years — Permanent | Yes | Yes (5yr) | ||
🇨🇼 Netherlands Antilles | Rentier or Retired Residence Permit | ANG 3,000 / month | — | — | 1 year | Yes | — | ||
🇳🇮 Nicaragua | Investor Permanent Residence | — | $30,000 one-time | — | 5 years | Yes | Yes (2yr) | ||
🇳🇮 Nicaragua | Residencia Temporal Pensionado | $600 / month | — | — | 1 year | Yes | — | ||
🇳🇮 Nicaragua | Residencia Temporal Rentista | $750 / month | — | — | 1 year | Yes | — | ||
🇵🇦 Panama | Permanent Residence Permit for Retirees and Pensioners | $1,000 / month | — | — | Permanent | Yes | Yes (5yr) | ||
🇵🇦 Panama | Professional Foreign Residence Permit | — | — | — | 2 years — Permanent | Yes | Yes (5yr) | ||
🇵🇦 Panama | Qualified Investor Permanent Residence | — | $300,000 one-time | — | Permanent | Yes | Yes (5yr) | ||
🇵🇦 Panama | Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers | $3,000 / month | — | — | 9 months — 18 months | No | No | ||
🇰🇳 Saint Kitts and Nevis | Citizenship by Investment Programme | — | $250,000 one-time | — | Permanent | Yes | Yes | ||
🇰🇳 Saint Kitts and Nevis | Temporary Residence Permit | No specific minimum incom... | — | — | 6 months — 1 year | Yes | — | ||
🇱🇨 Saint Lucia | Citizenship by Investment Programme | — | $240,000 one-time | — | Permanent | Yes | Yes | ||
🇱🇨 Saint Lucia | Live It Extended Stay Program | No minimum income require... | — | — | 1 year | Yes | No | ||
🇵🇲 Saint Pierre and Miquelon | Visitor Temporary Residence Card | €1,443 / month | — | — | 1 year | Yes | Yes (5yr) | ||
🇹🇨 Turks and Caicos Islands | Independent Means Residence Permit | No fixed minimum. Must de... | — | — | 1 year — 3 years | Yes | — | ||
🇹🇨 Turks and Caicos Islands | Permanent Residence Certificate (Investment) | — | $300,000 one-time | — | Permanent | Yes | Yes | ||
🇹🇨 Turks and Caicos Islands | Self-Employed Work Permit | — | — | No fixed minimum capital ... | 1 year — 5 years | Yes | — | ||
🇺🇸 United States | EB-1A Extraordinary Ability | — | — | — | Permanent | Yes | Yes (5yr) | ||
🇺🇸 United States | EB-2 National Interest Waiver | — | — | — | Permanent | Yes | Yes (5yr) | ||
🇺🇸 United States | EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program | — | $800,000 one-time | — | Permanent | Yes | Yes | ||
🇺🇸 United States | International Entrepreneur Parole | — | — | $311,071 one-time | 30 months — 5 years | Yes | — |